Farmers - Breaks Important For Healthy Minds, Relationships and Business

16 May 2012

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If you tend to keep thinking about the cows while you are on holidays or you tend not to take holidays at all then it is time for a change.

If you tend to keep thinking about the cows while you are on holidays or you tend not to take holidays at all then it is time for a change.

For peace of mind as a dairy farmer you should have a replacement milker that you trust and can leave in charge when you need time off. Remember your herd of cows are you livelihood so you can’t leave them to ‘just anyone’ to look after. Call in the experts, FRS, who will provide professional and reliable relief milkers so you can take that well deserved break and actually relax in knowing that your farm is in safe hands.

Now is the time to plan that break away. The summer brings the opportunity to spend time with family, go to the GAA matches, attend a wedding. FRS provide milkers for a once off milking or for regular milking and general farm labour to allow you to have some deserving personal time.

It is reported that the average employee takes 20 days holidays per year and the average for farmers is only 13 days. This precious time should be spent relaxing and not worry about work. Research shows that taking a relaxing break is extremely important for your mental health.

In Ireland there was never a culture of taking holidays among the older generation of farmers. This culture is changing which is evident in the level of young farmers who see the importance of taking breaks away.

In Finland, encouraging farmers to take holidays is part of their culture. Finlands ‘Farmers’ Holiday and Stand-in Scheme’ enables Farmers to take breaks from their work for annual leave, recreation or because of illness. Farmers are entitled to an annual leave of 26 days and an additional 120 hours of stand-in assistance. The annual leave is free of charge and the additional 120 hours are charged at a subsidised price. Wouldn’t that be nice!

The HSE advise farmers in Ireland to take breaks. Their Farm & Rural Stress campaign advocates that we all need a balance between hard work and time out to take it easy. The HSE advises to build in breaks from work during the day and plan to take time off after long periods of hard work and get away by yourself or with friends or family.

Today’s families are very busy—too busy to take a break some might believe. Add to that financial restraints and living in uncertain economic times, and many families feel as though they simply can’t take a break.

However, routines and rituals, like holidays, are important to the health and well-being of families. It’s healthy to take a break from the daily demands of juggling work and home. We should consider the benefits of play and family time together and perhaps redefine what holiday’s mean.

Taking time off from your work is not only desirable, it’s imperative. If all you do is work, what can you possibly bring to your farm but more of the same? ... the same perspective on things, the same ideas, the same way of doing things. Spending time away from work allows you to explore other interests which will make you well-rounded. Breaks from work will let you see things with a fresh eye, enhancing your creativity and problem solving skills.

Benefits of taking a Break or Holiday with Family

Play is not just for kids Taking time to play has powerful benefits for children and adults.

Relationships are enriched

Spending time together enriches a marriage, which strengthens the family foundation. Through traditions and rituals, such as holidays, relationships can be enriched.

Children feel love, support and safety Children who witness their parents and grandparents having fun, laughing and enjoying life learn valuable lessons about life.

Holiday time shrinks stress Holidays help shrink stress and anxiety while also boosting the mental and physical health of the entire family.

Isn’t it time for you to take a break?

What are the benefits of using FARM RELIEF SERVICES?

FRS operators are trained, experienced and flexible, locally based operators.

FRS operators are fully insured

Just ask yourself

Can I afford to pay disposal cost of milk if antibiotics get into tank by inexperienced farm help?

Can I afford to lose the value of the milk and incur a potential penalty fee?

FRS fees are fully tax deductable – cost of using FRS may be offset against your tax bill.

Farmer does not have to worry about PAYE, PRSI, Employer’s PRSI, Holiday pay etc, this is all handled by FRS; farmer has only one monthly invoice to worry about!

Short or long term bookings possible. Milkers available for one milking to regular bookings.

Possible to book the same operator (when available), so that you get someone who is familiar with your farm and routine.

FRS back up available for extra peace of mind

In Conclusion

If taking relaxing breaks can help farmers keep healthy - minds, relationships and business - FRS are here to help farmers make those breaks as relaxing as possible.

Sit down with or call your local Farm Relief Manager and discuss your holiday cover requirements today. Your time off should be spent relaxing so let the experts take care of your farm.

If you wish, you can contact us using any of the methods below: Tipperary Star,Friar Street,Thurles, Co TipperaryEmail: news@tipperarystar.ieTelephone: 0504 29100

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